Turkey condemns bomb attack in Tal Afar

The bomb attack, which killed at least 20 and wounded 25 people, caused a great grief in Turkey, the statement said.

"It has been reported that the number of dead and wounded might unfortunately increase. Turkey officially conveyed to Iraqi authorities that it stands ready to provide any kind of help for the immediate evacuation and treatment of the wounded -if need be," it said.

"While condemning this heinous act that aimed to disrupt Iraq's unity and integrity; to halt the improvement in security in the country and to cause mayhem among the difference ethnic and religious groups who are in fact the co-owners of their homeland Iraq, we extend our condolences to the friendly and brotherly people of Iraq," the statement added.

The death toll from a blast in a market in the northern Iraqi town of Tal Afar rose to 25 on Saturday after four of the six dozen people injured died from their wounds. The predominantly ethnic Turkmen town was under an indefinite curfew a day after Friday's bombing.

Photo: DHA